Indicator 3.12.4

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System

Water Type

Feed Dependent

Species

Indicator 3.12.4

by Contact on 8 October 2026

Requirement

The UoC shall ensure that all employees are trained on the employee grievance mechanism.

How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

  • For the grievance mechanism for communities, the guidance under Indicator 3.12.2 for employees also applies.

  • Mechanisms for submitting grievances are best determined together with community representatives. Examples of channels for submitting grievances include:

    • in-person meetings

    • dedicated telephone numbers

    • email addresses

    • instant messaging or other online submission mechanisms

    • letters or written notes

    • via community leaders and representatives, or community organisations.

    • Different communities may prefer different channels for submitting grievances.

  • Vulnerable populations may need special consideration in terms of how the grievance is submitted to enable their participation. For example:

    • when persons of the same gender, or ethnic group are available to receive a complaint, that may increase the likelihood of participation.

  • The following steps can be taken to inform potential users about the grievance mechanism:

    • conduct a stakeholder mapping and engagement process to identify communities and Indigenous and tribal peoples who may use the grievance mechanism.

    • make them aware of their rights under the law and under the ASC Farm Standard, including the grievance mechanism.

    • share information about the grievance mechanism, for example through:

      • local community representatives, community leaders and relevant community organisations

      • local publications

      • printed materials such as company newsletters, flyers, posters

      • digital means such as company website, online newsletter or social media.

    • give special consideration to reaching vulnerable groups within the population, as they are:

      • most likely to be impacted

      • unlikely to be comfortable with raising issues to the company.

Evidence of Implementation

  • materials used to inform communities of the grievance mechanisms

  • minutes of meetings where grievance mechanisms are discussed.

Auditors Should Confirm

  • community representatives (including Indigenous people’s representatives where applicable) understand:

    • how they can raise concerns and grievances with the UoC;

    • who their point of contact at the UoC is;

      • how the grievance mechanism was communicated to communities;

      • when discussions were had between UoC management and communities;

      • when grievances were raised in the past and how they were resolved.